Mitas C16 red DOT or C18 yellow DOT?

I posted this in the sticky it maybe better here?
I have been reading over the tire thread and was planning on going with the c16 combo shewolf was using for her shootout. I currently have deathwings and have been riding more and more dirt lately, at most I ride an hour (rarely two) max on twisty highway (think Squamish - Pemberton) to trails. thing is, I called the shop to order and they said..... "you dont want those... you want the c18, the c16 is too hard" and "consider a c19 or 21 for the front"

I want a tire that is fun in the dirt and still fun/safe in the twisties up to 70/80kph. don't really care if it lasts a long time I don't clock a lot of kms. I know that I have to compromise to have a tire that does both dirt and street.

comments on the c18 or a solid suggestion of another tire?
for use in the vancouver/squamish/whistler rainy climate.

Steve